Ageratum plant named &#39;agmontis&#39;

ABSTRACT

A new Ageratum plant particularly distinguished by its purple flower, early flowering, strongly branched plant habit and good growth.

VARIETAL DENOMINATION

[0001] ‘Agmontis’

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW PLANT

[0002] The present invention comprises a new distinct cultivar ofAgeratum, botanically known as Ageratum houstonianum. The new cultivaris propagated by cuttings resulting from the cross of ‘S509-2’ andpollen from a population of S-labeled plants. ‘S509-2’ is a purpleflowering Ageratum having a compact habit. ‘S509-2’ is not commerciallyavailable and is not known by any synonyms.

[0003] ‘S509-2’ has not been patented. As a result of this cross thepresent cultivar was created in 1998 in Enkhuizen, Netherlands and hasbeen repeatably asexually reproduced by cuttings in Enkhuizen,Netherlands, in Gilroy, Calif., United States, in Angers, France and inSarrians, France over a three-year period. It has been found to retainits distinctive characteristics through successive propagations, andthis novelty appears to be firmly fixed.

[0004] This new Ageratum plant is an annual in most climactical zones inthe United States, only in zones 9 and 10 it is a perennial plant.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0005] This new Ageratum plant is illustrated by the accompanyingphotographic drawing which shows blooms, buds and foliage of the plantin full color, the color shown being as true as can be reasonablyobtained by conventional photographic procedures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW CULTIVAR

[0006] The following detailed descriptions set forth the distinctivecharacteristics of this new Ageratum plant. The data which defines thesecharacteristics were collected from asexual reproductions carried out inEnkhuizen, Netherlands. The plant history was taken on 30 weeks oldplants, blossomed under natural light and artificial light in agreenhouse. Color readings were taken in a laboratory under ambientlight. Color references are primarily to the RHS Colour Chart of TheRoyal Horticultural Society of London. Comparison between the newcultivar ‘Agmontis,’ its parent and a similar cultivar ‘Agmontis’‘S509-2’ ‘R116’ Flower color Purple Violet Blue Size of capitulum  4-8mm  4-8 mm  7-9 mm Plant height 20-25 cm 20-25 cm 20-25 cm Diameter ofplant 35-40 cm 30-35 cm 15-20 cm

[0007] The plant:

[0008]Classification.—Botanical: Ageratum houstonianum.

[0009] Parentage:

[0010]Female parent.—A seedling named ‘S509-2’ is one of our seedingsfrom our S-generation of plants bred in 1987.

[0011]Pollen parent.—A population of S-labeled plants.

[0012] Plant description:

[0013]Growth habit.—Ascending, well branched.

[0014]Plant height.—20-25 cm.

[0015]Speading area of plant.—35-40 cm.

[0016]Growth rate.—Compact.

[0017]Strength.—Very good.

[0018]Branching character.—Freely branching and lateral branching atevery node.

[0019]Blooming period.—Year round.

[0020] The stem:

[0021]Diameter.—1-2 mm.

[0022]Shape.—Round.

[0023]Color.—RHS 145A.

[0024]Anthocyan pigmentation.—Absent.

[0025]Length of internode.—10-20 mm, depending on the light where theplant is propagated.

[0026]Pubescence.—Slightly pubescent.

[0027] The foliage:

[0028]Phyllotaxis.—Opposite, decussate.

[0029]Shape of blade.—Cordate.

[0030]Texture.—Upper side: Slightly pubescent — Lower side Slightlypubescent.

[0031]Venation.—Reticulate.

[0032]Leaf margin.—Serrate.

[0033]Leaf base.—Cordate.

[0034]Leaf apex.—Rounded.

[0035]Length.—18-25 mm.

[0036]Width.—15-25 mm.

[0037]Color.—Upper side: Dark green 137B — Lower side: Medium green138B.

[0038]Pubescence.—Some pubescence is present.

[0039]Length of petiole.—3-6 mm.

[0040]Color of petiole.—Light green 145A.

[0041]Petiole surface texture.—Slightly pubescent.

[0042] Inflorescence:

[0043]Inflorescence.—Compound umbel of capitula.

[0044]Length of peduncle.—10-20 mm.

[0045]Color of peduncle.—RHS 141C.

[0046]Length of pedicel.—4-15 mm.

[0047]Color of pedicel.—RHS 141C.

[0048]Number of capitula per inflorescence.—5-8.

[0049]Number of disc florets per capitulum.—50-85.

[0050]Number of bracts per capitulum.—15-20.

[0051]Length of bract.—2-3 mm.

[0052]Color of bracts.—RHS 137B with red tip.

[0053]Diameter of capitulum at beginning of flowering.—4-5 mm.

[0054]Color of capitulum at beginning of flowering.—RHS N71A.

[0055]Diameter of capitulum at full flowering.—4-5 mm.

[0056]Color of capitulum at full flowering.—RHS 059A.

[0057]Length of stigma and style.—4-6 mm.

[0058]Color of stigma.—RHS 059A.

[0059]Fragrance.—No fragrance.

[0060]Lastingness of the bloom.—The capitula of one umbel open over aperiod of 3-4 weeks.

[0061]Seedset.—‘Agmontis’ has seedset.

[0062] Seed:

[0063]Shape.—Pentagonal.

[0064]Length.—2 mm.

[0065]Diameter.—0.8 mm.

[0066]Color.—RHS 202A.

[0067]Pappus.—Very short.

[0068] Roots:

[0069]Type of roots.—Fibrous. Roots start to grow on every part of thestem that contacts the soil, so not only at the nodes.

[0070] Physiological and ecological characteristics: Good tolerance toheat and cold, but no frost tolerance. Strong resistance to pests anddiseases.

What is claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct variety of Ageratum plant,substantially as illustrated and described herein.